Occupational Safety and Health in Schools - · PDF fileOccupational Safety and Health Branch...

Occupational Safety and Health BranchLabour Department

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This guide is prepared by theOccupational Safety and Health Branch, Labour Department

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First edition August 2000

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This guide is issued free of charge and can be obtained from offices of theOccupational Safety and Health Branch. Addresses and telephone numbers ofthe offices can be obtained by calling telephone no. 2559 2297.

This guide may be freely reproduced except for advertising, endorsement orcommercial purposes. Please acknoledge the source as “Occupational Safetyand Health in Schools”, published by the Labour Department.

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Contents Page

1. ��Introduction 2

2. �� !"#$%Safety and Health Management 4

3. �� !Housekeeping 5

4. �� !"Ventilation in Classrooms 6

5. ��Lighting 8

6. �� !Working Postures 10

7. �� !"#Manual Handling Operations 12

8. �� !"#Laboratories and Workshops 15

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Good Work Practice in Laboratories and Workshops 16

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Ventilation 18

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Storage and Labelling of Chemicals 21

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Disposal and Storage of Chemical Wastes 23

9. �� !"#$%&Occupational Health Problems for Teachers 24

10. �� !References 27

11. �� !"Further Information 30

1


� �Introduction

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In Hong Kong, approximately 100,000 people are employed in the education sector. Theyinclude school heads, teachers, laboratory technicians and assistants, clerical staff, workmen,workshop attendants, school social workers, speech therapists, physiotherapists, etc. They havemade valuable contribution to the education of our younger generation.

Although the working environment in schools is not as hazardous as in the manufacturing orconstruction industry, it is not entirely free of occupational safety and health hazards. If thehazards are not properly recognised, evaluated and controlled, the safety and health of schoolemployees may be jeopardised. Pupils and parents may also be affected.

The safety and health of employees in schools is protected by the Occupational Safety andHealth Ordinance and its subsidiary regulation. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure,so far as reasonably practicable, the safety and health of all employees at work. Employeesshould, so far as reasonably practicable, cooperate with their employers to comply with therequirements of the law so as to protect the safety and health of themselves and any otherpersons that may be affected.

The objective of this guide is to arouse the awareness of both employers and employees of theeducation sector about the various occupational safety and health hazards in schools. It alsosuggests precautionary measures to be adopted with a view to preventing accidents andoccupational diseases.

Occupational Safety and Health Branch, Labour DepartmentAugust 2000

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Occupational Safety and Health Branch, Labour Department

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Are there any of the above safety and health hazards in your school, e.g. insufficient lighting,overcrowding, inadequate fresh air, poor working posture, noise, manual lifting of heavy loadsand leakage from a fume cupboard?

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� � ! " # $ %Safety and Health Management

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To successfully manage safety and health at work, a school should establish an occupationalsafety and health management system which includes the following elements:

a) a safety and health policy statement to show the management 's commitment;

b) organisation of the management system, with a clear allocation of safety responsibilities;

c) an assessment of the safety and health risks which should be updated when situationschange;

d) safety and health regulations to be observed in the workplace;

e) education, instruction and training on occupational safety and health;

f) emergency plans, drills and first aid arrangements;

g) a regular review of the system to ensure its effectiveness;

h) documentation to keep proper record and ensure continuity of activities.

4


� � !Housekeeping

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Good housekeeping refers to the cleanliness and the good order of equipment and facilities ina workplace. Housekeeping needs planning and cooperation of all staff and it is the first steptowards good occupational safety and health practice. The standard of housekeeping andcleanliness in schools is generally quite high. However there are still some areas that needfurther attention.

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Passageways and exits should not be blocked byobstacles which may cause people to trip and affectthe means of escape in the event of fire.

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Sufficient space and storage facilities canfacilitate good housekeeping.

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Su i tab l e and su f f i c i en t f i reextinguishers should be provided atlocations where they are readilyavailable for use when required.

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� � ! "Ventilation in Classrooms

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A teacher spends most of his/her working time in a classroom which usually holds 30 to 40pupils. If a classroom is not adequately ventilated, body odour and other contaminants caneasily accumulate to a level that causes discomfort and even illness. Communicable diseasesthat are transmitted through air, e.g. tuberculosis, German measles and flu, may easily spreadunder such conditions. The quality of teaching and learning will also be adversely affected. Afresh air supply of 0.43 m3/minute per person is recommended.

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In a workplace without burning activity or a source of carbon dioxide contamination, such as aclassroom, the adequacy of ventilation can be measured indirectly by checking the carbon dioxidelevel in the air. During normal work activity, people breathe out carbon dioxide. If there issufficient fresh air supply for the workplace, the concentration of carbon dioxide will remain ata low level. When the carbon dioxide level frequently exceeds 1,000 ppm, it suggests that theventilation system should be examined to check whether there is any air distribution problem orthe fresh air supply is adequate. The measurement can be made by using a direct reading instrumentwhich responds specifically to the level of carbon dioxide in air.

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Natural ventilation (keep the windows and doorsopen) coupled with circulating fans can providesufficient fresh air supply. The drawbacks are noisenuisance from outside and a high temperature insummer.

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If an air-conditioning system is used, sufficientexhaust fans and fresh air intake fans should beinstalled to ensure an adequate exchange of indoorair with fresh air outside the classroom.

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Regular checks and maintenance should be made toany mechanical ventilation system to ensure theirefficiency and prevent breakdown. Air filters, fans,cooling coils and ducting should be regularlycleaned.

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� �Lighting

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Good lighting is necessary for comfortable reading and increasing efficiency at work. It helpsto reduce accidents, eye strain and discomfort.

Natural lighting is the best and cheapest source of illumination. However, due to its unreliablenature and uncontrollable factors such as sky brightness, seasonal variation, distance fromwindows, etc., adequate artificial lighting should be used as a supplement.

The intensity of the lighting should match the nature of the job. The illumination in a workplaceshould also be uniform. The recommended illumination for various processes in differentlocations is given below:

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Applicable to situations where no perception of details is required and visual fatigue is unlikely. In recommendingthe minimum required illuminance, only general safety factors are considered. However, where it is necessary toinspect details to recognise a hazard, or where errors in performing the task could put someone else at risk, theabove minimum required illuminance should be increased to a minimum of 100 lux.

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The minimum required illuminance is to avoid visual fatigue and for safety purposes. For jobs requiring perceptionof very fine details, e.g. electronic component assembly or hand sewing, local lighting or a higher illuminanceshould be provided.

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Lamps should be arranged to avoid heavy shadowing effect which will increase the risk oftripping and eye strain. Glare should be minimised by suitable lamp shades and blinds.

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Damaged lamps should be replaced as soon aspossible. A maintenance programme should be setup to ensure the cleanliness and effectiveness oflamps, lighting fixtures and windows.

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A desk with a glass surface can producereflected glare and cause distraction. Adesk should have a matt surface to avoidreflected glare.

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The intensity of lighting can be measuredby a light meter.

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� � !Working Postures

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The working environment and tools should enable employees to adopt a comfortable workingposture. Constraints on postures and restrictions on movement can result in work-relatedmusculo-skeletal disorders. A workplace properly designed according to ergonomic principlescould help staff of different build to adopt comfortable working posture. Special attentionshould be given to short and tall employees at the design stage.

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Window-cleaning without appropriate toolsand with postural constraints might causeshoulder and back injuries. The risk is evenhigher when cleaning a double-glazedwindow or a window with a grille. It isadvisable to consider the employment of aspecialised contractor to clean the outsidesurfaces of windows. Alternatively, suitabletools should be provided.

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Kindergarten teachers are always required to bendtheir backs in teaching pupils. Back pain is commonamong kindergarten teachers.

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Use a suitable stool to reduce the need forbending the body.

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To minimise ergonomic problems resulting from working continuously at computer units,staff in schools should observe guidelines concerning the use of computer or display screenequipment. These guidelines are available free of charge from the Occupational Safety andHealth Branch of the Labour Department. For the list, please refer to pages 27 - 28 of thisguide.

No matter how good a working posture is, it should not be maintained for a long time as it canresult in muscular strain and restrict blood circulation. An occasional change of work posturesfor exercising different parts of the body is recommended.

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� � ! " #Manual Handling Operations

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Manual handling is an operation which involves moving or supporting a load by hands or bybodily effort, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying the load.

Manual handling operations can be hazardous and cause injury if not properly carried out.Awkward movements during manual handling operations and repetitive movements makepeople particularly prone to injury. The potentially hazardous manual handling operations inschools include carrying a large quantity of books, moving heavy equipment in laboratoriesand workshops, moving chairs and desks, and moving physically handicapped pupils in specialschools. Teachers, teacher assistants, laboratory technicians, workshop attendants and workmenare most vulnerable to injury from manual handling operations.

Before any manual handling operation is undertaken, a preliminary assessment of its safetyand health risks must be arranged by the person responsible for the workplace. Hazardousmanual handling operations should be avoided as far as reasonably practicable. A furtherassessment should be made to assess the risks of any unavoidable hazardous manual handlingoperations. Preventive measures, such as adopting proper working postures and providingmechanical aids and non-slippery floor tiles, should be implemented to minimise the risks.

An assessment of the risks of undertaking manual handling operations should include thefollowing factors:a) the tasks b) the loads c) the working environmentd) individual capability e) other relevant matters

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Moving a large quantity of chairs, desks etc. ina short period of time will cause physical stress.The musculo-skeletal system will be put undergreat strain and may be easily injured. Sufficientmanpower, mechanical aids and time should bemade available.

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Staff moving physically handicapped pupils in specialschools may suffer back injuries if an improper postureis adopted. It is advisable to minimise the risk by usingmechanical aids or by working as a team.

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Moving loads up and down stairs increases the difficultyof movement and the risk of injuries. A gentle ramp orproper manual handling operation can reduce the risk.

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It is advisable to store heavy equipment at waistlevel to avoid stooping or reaching upwardsduring lifting.

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All employees should be instructed on the safety ofmanual handling operation.

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� � ! " #Laboratories and Workshops

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In any school, laboratories and workshops are places where chemicals, equipment and machinesare mostly used. Special attention should be paid to the potential occupational safety andhealth hazards in these locations.

Air-borne contaminants may affect the health of pupils and employees. Their exposure to air-borne contaminants should be kept as low as reasonably practicable and should not exceed theOccupational Exposure Limits recommended by the Labour Department. Useful informationon Occupational Exposure Limits can be found in the booklet "Code of Practice on Control ofAir Impurities (Chemical Substances) in the Workplace" published by the Labour Department.

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� � ! " # $ % & " ' ( )Good Work Practice in Laboratories and Workshops

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All technicians, workshop attendants, workmen and teachers of science, practical and technicalsubjects should have received suitable safety and health training or instructions before workingin a laboratory or workshop. Such training can be obtained through courses and seminarsorganised by the Labour Department, the Occupational Safety & Health Council, the EducationDepartment, and technical institutes, etc.

Guides on good safety and health practices for working in a laboratory or workshop should bedeveloped.

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Posters with safety and health instructions should be displayedin prominent positions to alert staff and pupils on general safetyand health requirements and the precautions to be adopted.

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All spilled chemicals should be cleaned up immediately.Suitable spillage-handling kits and personal protectiveequipment should be readily available.

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All dangerous parts of plant and machinery should be effectivelyguarded. Operators should be properly trained and competent.Other persons should operate the plant or machinery only whenunder the supervision of a competent operator.

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Good work discipline and laboratory/workshop practicesshould always be followed:

– no smoking, eating or drinking in laboratories,workshops or preparation rooms;

– wash hands before and after work;

– use appropriate personal protective clothing andequipment such as eye protectors, suitable gloves,hearing protectors, etc. when required;

– follow good and safe working procedures while handlingchemicals, apparatus, equipment or machinery.

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A set of Material Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used shouldbe readily available so that the properties, health effects,precautions required and emergency-handling procedures of thechemicals are known whenever required.

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Adequate first-aid facilities should be readilyaccessible. They should be fully stocked andmaintained in good conditions at all times.

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� �Ventilation

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Sufficient exhaust ventilation should be provided inworkshops and laboratories so that any contaminantsreleased during experiments can be readily removed.

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The windows in a laboratory or aworkshop must not be obstructed andmust be able to be fully opened duringexperiments to ensure sufficientventilation.

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If not performed under exhaust ventilation, hazardousoperations such as paint-spraying, should not beconducted indoors. Such operations should be donein properly ventilated areas with suitable personalprotective equipment.

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In air-conditioned laboratories, preparation rooms andworkshops, when Bunsen burners, gas appliances orchemicals are used, all air-conditioners should beswitched off, the exhaust fans be switched on and thewindows be kept open.

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Sufficient and effective fume cupboards should beprovided in laboratories so that all experimentsthat would expose staff or pupils to a high level ofairborne contaminants can be conducted in a safemanner.

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Dust-producing processes, such as woodmachining, stone grinding and welding, shouldbe performed under local exhaust ventilationto minimise air contamination.

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All fume cupboards and local exhaust ventilationsystems should be regularly checked andmaintained to ensure their effectiveness.Contaminants may escape from poorly maintainedfume cupboards or local exhaust ventilationsystems.

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To ensure the effectiveness of a fume cupboard, it should notbe used for the storage of chemicals or equipment.

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Room air currents have a significant effecton the performance of a fume cupboard.When a fume cupboard is used, the aircurrent across the face opening should beminimised, e.g., no fans should blow at oracross the face opening.

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� � ! " # $ % &Storage and Labelling of Chemicals

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The quantity of chemicals kept in a laboratoryor workshop should be as low as possible andjust sufficient for routine usage. The storageof a large quantity of chemicals in preparationrooms will increase the risk of chemicalexposure to staff.

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The bulk of chemicals shouldbe stored in suitable cupboardsor shelves in a locked chemicalstoreroom. The key should bekep t by the t eacher orlaboratory technician incharge of the storeroom.Incompatible chemicals shouldbe isolated from each other.The storeroom should haveadequate ventilation to avoidthe accumulation of hazardousfumes or vapours . Thestorerooms should be atlocations convenient but faraway from all means of escapeso as to minimise the distancefor carrying of chemicals.

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Chemical containers should be kept secure and tidy to preventaccidental tipping over. They should be inspected periodicallyto avoid leakage or breakage and to check for expired chemicals.Articles or substances other than laboratory chemicals shouldnot be kept in a chemical storeroom.

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Suitable bottle carriers should be used for carryingchemicals from the storeroom to the laboratory tominimise the risk of accidental breakage.

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Chemicals not properly labelled may be misused and causeaccidents.

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Chemcial labels help to remind userson the hazardous nature of chemicalsand their safety precautions.

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� � ! " # $ % & 'Disposal and Storage of Chemical Wastes

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Improper disposal and storage of chemical wastes, e.g. pouring down the sink or mixingincompatible chemicals will increase the risk of exposing to chemical reaction. Expiredchemicals may be unstable or have denatured. They should be removed for proper disposal assoon as possible.

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Chemicals trapped in a dilution tank below a sinkwill continue to escape into the air and causeunnecessary exposure. Cleaning the tank requiresspecial precautions.

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A sealed catchpot recovery trapeliminates most of the problemsassociated with an open typedilution tank.

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Adequate facilities should be made available for the proper disposaland temporary storage of chemical wastes, including separate containersfor spent acids, alkalis and organics. Expired chemicals should never bedumped in a messy manner. They should also be kept tidy before disposal.

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� � ! " # $ % &Occupational Health Problems for Teachers

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The special job nature of teachers exposes them to a number of common occupational healthproblems.

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Suggested precautions:– use loudspeaker;– isolate exterior noise sources by closing windows;– receive training on voice management and correct

speech-production techniques;– sufficient rest;– proper protection of the voice in daily life.

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Suggested precautions:– provide a height-adjustable blackboard;– use an overhead projector instead of a blackboard;– provide suitable desks and chairs for desk-top

work;– prepare appropriate teaching aids so as to

minimise the use of blackboards;– maintain a correct working posture;– do relaxation exercises after classes.

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Prolonged speaking in classes, especiallyin a noisy environment, can lead to voicehoarseness.

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Shoulder / back pain is common amongteachers. It can be caused by incorrect workingposture, e.g. marking homework at a pupil’sdesk in a kindergarten, or prolonged writingon the upper part of a blackboard.

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Suggested precautions:

– rest the legs at suitable time;

– improve blood circulation by massaging the lowerlegs;

– wear comfortable shoes.

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Suggested precautions:

– use various teaching aids;

– wrap the chalks to avoid contact;

– use a white board or an overhead projector insteadof a blackboard;

– care for the hands.

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Some teachers at special schools have to take care of students who are incontinent. Theyshould therefore pay extra attention to personal cleanliness and hygiene.

�� !"#$%&'()*+,-.#�� !"#$%&'()*+,-./�� !"#$%&'(!)�*+,-�� !"#$%&'()

Prolonged standing may cause leg andlower back pain. It may also restrict bloodflow from the legs back to the heart andexacerbate varicose veins. The superficialveins of the legs are distended, lengthenedand tortuous.

�� !"#$%&'()!"*+,�� !"#$%&'()*+,-./

Prolonged contact with chalks may causecontact dermatitis, especially forsusceptible teachers.

25


�� !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123�� !"#$%&$'()*+ ,-./01�� !"#$%&'()*+,-./&01)�� !

Stress is a common occupational health problemamong teachers. Improper stress management canaffect physical health, psychological health and theperformance of teachers. Management and teachersshould work together to improve the workingenvironment and conditions so as to combat stress.

�� !Sources of stress

~K �� !heavy workload

ÄK �� !"#$%&'()*+

�� poor working environmente.g. noisy, cramped workplace

ÅK �� !"#poor interpersonal relationship

ÇK �� !"#$keep student discipline

ÉK �� !"#$%&pressure from pupils' parents

�� !"#$Suggested precautions

~K �� !"#$%&'()*+identify the sources of stress andmanage them properly

ÄK �� !"#$%&'develop a reasonable work andrest schedule

ÅK �� !talk with others

ÇK �� !"#$%learn self-relaxation exercises

ÉK �� !"#$%&'()develop proper interpersonal skills andcommunication

ÑK �� !"#$%&seek professional advice if needed

26


� � !References

�� !"#$%&'()*+,-./01234567

The following publications provide further information on the occupational safety and healthin schools:

A) �� !"#$%&'()*+,-./Free publications produced by the Occupational Safety and Health Branch of theLabour Department

1. �� !"#$%&'(

A Brief Guide to the Occupational Safety & Health Ordinance

2. �� !"#$%&'(

A Brief Guide to the Occupational Safety & Health Regulation

3. �� !"#$%

Guidelines for Good Occupational Hygiene Practice in a Workplace

4. �� !"#$%&

Guidance Notes on Ventilation and Maintenance of Ventilation Systems

5. �� !"#$%

Guidance Notes on Manual Handling Operations

6. �� !"#

Prevention of Back Injury

7. �� !"#$%&'

Guide to Occupational Diseases Prescribed for Compensation Purposes

8. �� !=�=�� ======(A) �� !"======(B) �� !"#======(C) �� !======(D) ��

(E) �� !"#$�

A Brief Guide to First Aid in (A) Notifiable Workplaces (B) Cargo and Container Handling Undertakings(C) Construction Sites (D) Quarries (E) All Other Workplaces

9. �� !=E�� !"#$%&'()&'*+,*-./'0123,4567%8&49

Hints on First Aid (For: Notifiable Workplaces, Quarries, Cargo & Container Handling Undertakings,Construction Sites, and all other Workplaces)

10. �� !"#$%&'�� !"�� !"

Code of Practice on Control of Air Impurities (Chemical Substances) in the Workplace

11. �� !"#$%=�=�� !"#$%&'

Occupational Health Pictorial Guide - Occupational Health in Office Environment

27


12. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$=�� !"#$%&'

A Simple Guide to Health Risk Assessment - Office Environment Series

Introduction and Housekeeping

13. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$=�� !"#$


Lighting in Offices

14. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$=�� !

A Simple Guide to Health Risk Assessment - Office Environment SeriesPhotocopying

15. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$=�� !"#$

A Simple Guide to Health Risk Assessment - Office Environment SeriesVentilation

16. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$=�� !"#$%&'(

A Simple Guide to Health Risk Assessment - Office Environment SeriesOffice Workstation Design

17. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$=�� !"#$%

A Simple Guide to Health Risk Assessment - Office Environment SeriesUse of Chemicals

18. �� !"#$%&'()=J=�� !"#$�� !"#$%


Manual Handling

19. �� !"#$%=J=�� !�"#$%

Prevention of Occupational Dermatitis - Guidelines for Employers and Employees

20. �� !"#$%

Guidance Notes on Fire Safety at Workplaces

21. �� !"#$%&

A Guide to Work with Computers

22. �� !"#$%&'()

Managing Occupational Safety and Health in Schools

28


B) �� !"#$%&'Free publications produced by the Education Department

1. �� !"#$%&

Safety in Science Laboratories

2. �� !"#$%&'()*�� !"#$!%&'

Guidelines on the Prevention of Blood Borne Diseases in Schools (Prepared by the Department ofHealth and the Education Department)

3. Safety in School Workshops

4. �� !"#$

Laboratory Safety Posters

5. �� !"#$�� !"#$%&'()*+,

Teaching Kit on Chemical Safety (Prepared by the Curriculum Development Institute of the Education

Department and the Occupational Safety & Health Council)

6. �� !"#�$%&'

Safety Booklet for the Teaching of Home Economics in Secondary Schools

7. �� !"#$%&'()�"*

Use of Sealed Radioactive Sources for Teaching Purposes in Schools

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� � ! "Further Information

�� !"#$%&'()*+,-.�� !"#$%&'()*�

� �� !"#$%& 38 �

�� !"# 15 ��

� �� 2852 4041

� �� 2581 2049

� �� http://www.info.gov.hk/labour

�� !" [email protected]

For further information about the subject or assistance, please contact Occupational Safetyand Health Branch, Labour Department

Address : 15/F, Harbour Building38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Tel : 2852 4041Fax : 2581 2049Home Page address: http://www.info.gov.hk/labourE-mail address : [email protected]

�� !"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:;<=>?@ABCD+

THIS GUIDE IS

The Labour Department's contribution towards safety and health - a shared responsibility andthe Department's endeavour to serve the community.

30

�� !"#$%&'(Occupational Safety and Health Branch

Labour Department

8/2000-1-OHB77

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